WFP country director satisfied over distribution of food supplements among children
World Food Programme (WFP) country director in Pakistan has expressed complete satisfaction over the distribution of food supplements among malnourished children under nutrition plan being carried out with the help of the local authorities across the country.
“I am glad that there is no pilferage of food during distribution as it is reaching to the right children with the help of provincial and district government officials,” WFP Country Director Lola Castro said.
She, however, stressed for more support and training of the health officials responsible for distribution of food supplements among women and children.
Acknowledging the role of lady health workers (LHWs) and other health officials, she said they were doing an excellent job but they required more support and training.
Castro said that WFP team and local official frequently meet each other and make efforts that the food is provided to needy and right people.
The country director mentioned about her recent visits in Noshki, Balochistan where she interacted with the women giving them suggestion to improve the health of their malnourished children. She pointed out that more than two million children need supplementary food at the school level, adding it was very difficult to reach each and every child who badly needed additional food for a good health.
The country director said that the Pakistan’s National Nutrition Survey was conducted by Aga KhanUniversity’s Division of Women and Child Health, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and UNICEF to provide relevant information for planning, implementation and monitoring appropriate population based interventions in Pakistan. She said the major objective of survey was to assess the population nutritional status of women and children and other target groups and key micro nutrient indicators.
The survey indicated that stunting, wasting and micro-nutrient malnutrition were endemic in Pakistan. These are caused by a combination of dietary deficiencies, poor maternal and child health and nutrition, high burden of morbidity and low micro-nutrient content in the soil, especially iodine and zinc. Most of the micro-nutrient has profound effects on immunity, growth, and mental development, she added.
The country director opined that exclusive breast feeding in first six months of a child could protect him from a number of diseases. She said those children who are under weight and not breast fed properly are registered and provided with supplementary food through provincial health officials in the high risk districts identified through the survey.
After giving supplementary food for three months, the provision of food is extended if a child fails to improve his or her weight, she added.
When asked about the security issues, she expressed complete confidence in the central and provincial governments for providing ample security to the WFP officials.
“We have very good support from both federal and provincial governments in getting No Objection Certificates (NOCs),” she said, adding, “The community also support us as we bring food, education and training for everyone.”
